Leafs search for fourth-line anchor

TORONTO — Wanted: Grinder who can win draws, finish bodychecks, block shots and clear pucks out of the defensive zone. Goal-scorers or players seeking the limelight need not apply.

That is what the Toronto Maple Leafs are basically looking for during these next two weeks. Not someone who can make plays or produce offensively. But rather a fourth-line centre who is willing to do the things no one else wants to do.

“It’s different work,” centre Philippe Dupuis said. “You’re not in the spotlight. You’re just doing anything for the boys. That’s the bottom line. In the room, they respect the fourth-line guys as much as the first-liners. It’s all a big group and everyone has their role.”

As unglamorous as it sounds, there are at least three players — Dupuis, Darryl Boyce and Mike Zigomanis — who will be working to acquire that role.

The winner gets to start the season on a line with Mike Brown and Colton Orr. And while the ice time is likely to be limited to less than 10 minutes per game, whoever lands the job can be sure to work hard for those minutes.

Last season, Dupuis finished fourth on the Colorado Avalanche with 128 hits in 74 games. Boyce, who had 68 hits in 46 games with the Leafs, nearly cut off part of his nose on Feb. 3 when he went face-first into the photographer’s hole after missing a bodycheck. Despite the injury, he suited up for the Leafs two nights later.

Perhaps that is why Boyce seems to have the inside track sticking with the Leafs this year. He willing to do endure anything to stay in the lineup.

“I plan on outworking and showing that I have a lot more determination than anybody else,” said Boyce, who scored five goals and 13 points with a plus-8 rating last season. “The mindset that I came into this year is the same that I had coming into every game last season. I’ve got to play like I don’t want somebody to take my spot.”

Fourth-liners are not the stars of the team. They are the players who are on two-way contracts. They are expendable. They play until they get banged up and then are replaced by someone else who is willing to do the dirty work.

When Dupuis signed a contract with the Leafs this summer, he knew there was a roster spot open. But unlike free agent Tim Connolly, it was not guaranteed.

“They told me I had a decent chance to make the team,” Dupuis said. “They said come here and battle for the open spot. If I do a good job, they’ll see. But nothing’s given.”

Last season, Zigomanis won the fourth-line centre job out of training camp. But after eight games, he was replaced with Tim Brent. When Brent moved up to the third line in the second half of the season, Boyce took over.

“He got the job done and he’s like my rabbit’s foot,” Wilson said of Boyce. “When he’s in the lineup, we won. So I’m as superstitious as the next guy. Hopefully, he does a good enough job to make our decisions difficult.

“That’s a battle zone right there … that’s what they’ve been told: Brian will clear a spot if you cleanly win a spot up here.”

Each player knows what he needs to do to catch Wilson’s eye. For Zigomanis, it comes down to winning faceoffs (he had a 52.5% winning percentage last season). For Boyce, it comes down to playing consistently. And for Dupuis, it is as simple as standing out — but not for the wrong reasons.

“I know what they’re looking for,” said Dupuis, who had six goals, 11 assists and a minus-4 rating last season. “They’re looking for me to be physical and to be responsible in my zone. Make sure I block shots, get the puck out and don’t make dumb plays.

“If I chip in offensively, it’s good. But it’s not going to change anything.”